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A skillet filled with Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole topped with melted cheese, placed on a red and white checkered cloth next to three zucchinis and an empty white plate.
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5 from 3 votes

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Our Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining zucchini, ground meat, and a savory sauce, this casserole delivers all the taste without the fuss of stuffing. Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal cleanup!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 301kcal
Author: Laura

Ingredients

  • 1/2 TBSP vegetable oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 TBSP minced garlic
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • pinch black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper red or green
  • 15 1/2 ounces tomato sauce
  • 15 1/2 ounces water
  • 1 1/2 pounds zucchini the smallest you can find
  • 1 cup instant rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • add the oil to a frying pan and heat over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes
  • add the ground beef, salt, and chopped onion to the pan breaking up the ground beef to brown it, cook 5-6 minutes stirring frequently
    A pan with ground beef and chopped onions being cooked for a delicious Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole.
  • while the meat is browning slice the unpeeled zucchini into 1/4 inch slices
  • once the beef is browned add garlic, cook and stir for one minute
  • then add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, pepper and stir to combine
  • add the bell peppers, cook and stir 1-2 minutes
  • add sliced zucchini and stir to combine
    Sliced green zucchini arranged in a pile, showcasing their circular cross-sections and light seedy flesh, perfect for an Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole.
  • pour the tomato sauce in the pan, fill the can with water and swish to remove all the sauce, pour it into the pan as well
    A pot filled with an unstuffed zucchini casserole and meat stew, featuring sliced zucchini, chunks of meat, and vegetables in a tomato-based sauce.
  • bring to a slow boil and reduce the heat to a simmer, keep it there for 5 minutes and let it reduce just a little
    A pan filled with tomato-based sauce, zucchini slices, and ground meat sizzles on the stovetop, creating a delightful Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole.
  • taste at this point and add more salt, garlic or onion powder, Italian seasoning, or pepper at this point
  • when the pan is simmering add the rice and stir to combine
    A skillet filled with white rice, tomato sauce, and sliced zucchini being prepared on a stovetop resembles an unstuffed zucchini casserole in the making.
  • increase the heat and return the pan to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover the pan
  • let the pan rest covered for 5 minutes
  • remove the lid and stir to make sure the rice is cooked, taste the rice to make sure it's cooked through, if it's not cover it and let it rest a minute more
    A close-up of a skillet filled with Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole, featuring a hearty mix of sliced zucchini, ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and rich sauce.
  • once the rice is cooked through, sprinkle the cheese over the casserole and let it rest until the cheese is melted
    Large pan filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and tomato sauce topped with a generous layer of shredded cheese, resembling an Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole.
  • once the cheese has melted serve the casserole hot and with extra cheese if you like
    A skillet with an unstuffed zucchini casserole, featuring rice and topped with melted cheese, is placed on a red and white checked cloth, accompanied by three whole zucchinis nearby.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 924mg | Potassium: 880mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1292IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 4mg